Elizalina Anee-sama
“You mean… Florence-san, coming to my house?”
“Yes. And if it’s possible… I was hoping I might be allowed into your room, Lux-sama.”
Florence-san, in my room… No—before that, just having her at my house.
Under normal circumstances, I’d have no reason to refuse. But today, Siana specifically told me not to invite women—or anyone I don’t have a strong bond of trust with—into the house.
Was she saying I shouldn’t invite women I barely know? Or… was she warning me about women in general?
As I tried to parse what Siana had really meant, Florence-san spoke gently, her voice filled with kindness, as if sensing my hesitation.
“If it’s inconvenient, another day would be just fine. There’s no need to worry so deeply about it.”
It would feel wrong to ask her to reschedule after she went out of her way to invite me—and besides, Florence-san is someone I can already trust.
Even Siana would likely say it’s alright to have Florence-san over, right?
“Alright then. Let’s spend some time at my place today.”
“Thank you so much, Lux-sama.”
The moment I accepted, Florence-san lit up with a radiant smile. But then, as if reining herself in, her expression softened into the calm, familiar grace I always saw in her, and she spoke again.
“…If we’re going to Lux-sama’s home, then… that maid will be there as well, won’t she?”
“Usually, yes—but it looks like she has errands today. She won’t be back until at least evening.”
“…! I see.”
Florence-san’s eyes widened in surprise—it was rare to see such a reaction from her.
Could it be… she was hoping to speak with Siana?
“If it’s more convenient with Siana around, she’s usually home on other days. Would you rather come another time?”
“No… today is perfect. To think I’d be given such a precious opportunity…”
She murmured something under her breath—too softly for me to catch—but it seemed she was fine with today.
With that settled, Florence-san and I left the noble academy, boarded the carriage, and headed to the Count Rodwell’s family estate together.
Siana’s Side
As they walked through the palace corridors, Siana in her gown and Violet in her black maid uniform spoke in hushed tones, low enough that only they could hear.
“Lux-kun should be finishing up his lectures around now… probably on his way home.”
“Yes, I believe so.”
“…It’s probably nothing, but… I can’t shake this uneasy feeling.”
“Heeey~ Felisiana~!”
Just as that vague unease began to weigh heavier in Siana’s chest, a voice rang out from the end of the corridor—bright, carefree, and completely at odds with her mood.
And then, the voice’s owner appeared before them.
She had vivid pink hair tied into twin tails, a revealing top that showed off her chest, and a slit skirt that swayed with her steps.
“…Elizalina Anee-sama. It’s been a while.”
“…Second Princess. It has indeed been some time.”
Siana and Violet both offered their greetings to the second princess, Elizalina.
With her ever-cheerful voice, Elizalina immediately launched into conversation.
“It’s been so long, both of you~! Just half a year ago, Felisiana was saying the most un-Felisiana-like thing about wanting to get engaged to some count’s son, and now you’re all quiet~! What happened? Did he dump you? Or did you have a change of heart~?”
“That’s none of your business, Elizalina Anee-sama.”
“You’re right~! But still, if someone dumped my precious little sister, I just couldn’t forgive them—so, what’s his name? That count boy?”
As Elizalina leaned in and whispered that by Siana’s ear, Siana turned a chilling gaze on her, her voice laced with frost.
“If you lay a finger on him… even you, Elizalina Anee-sama, I won’t forgive you.”
“Waa~! So scary! But still—”
Elizalina’s gaze turned hollow as she looked at Siana and spoke in a low, deliberate tone.
“Do you seriously think you can fight me… and win?”
“If he’s in danger, I’ll do whatever it takes. That’s all you need to know… Let’s go, Violet.”
With that, Siana turned and headed toward the throne room, Violet silently following at her side.
Left alone in the corridor, Elizalina’s expression brightened again. A smile curled her lips as she murmured to herself.
“To think there’s a man in this world who could make Felisiana fall that hard… What a surprise. Looks like there’s quite the scoundrel in that count family… Maybe, for fun, I should try to find this guy Felisiana’s so taken with. After all, if I seduced him, even he would probably… —haah, isn’t there some prince-like guy worthy of being my fiancé somewhere in this world~?”
Still musing aloud, Elizalina skipped lightly down the hallway, her steps as carefree as ever.
Lux’s Side
After the carriage dropped us off from the academy, Florence-san and I stepped into the Rodwell Count family estate together.
“The exterior was stunning, but the interior décor is just as breathtaking.”
As we walked the corridor leading to my room, Florence-san gazed around, admiring the craftsmanship aloud.
“Thank you very much… But I imagine your own home must be far more impressive, Florence-san.”
I’d only ever seen the garden of Florence-san’s estate—I’d never been inside. But she once told me she poured her heart into its design, so I suspected it surpassed my own. That’s why I asked. After a thoughtful pause, she responded.
“Well… would you like to come inside the Florence mansion sometime?”
“Huh? Really? Are you sure that’s okay?”
“Yes, absolutely. I’d love for you to visit.”
With those words, Florence-san gave me a soft, serene smile.
“In that case, I’d be honored! I’d love to visit!”
“Just when I was already excited to see Lux-sama’s room, now I have something else to look forward to.”
As our conversation flowed, we soon arrived at my room—and I welcomed Florence-san inside.